It may have passionate allies at the state Capitol, but the Goldwater Institute is so far failing to advance the centerpiece of its anti-union agenda: ending public employees' ability to negotiate over salary and benefits.

Responding to a piece containing blatant falsehoods is often difficult – if you rebut each falsehood, you risk legitimizing nonsense.
That’s the challenge posed by the opinion piece in the March 16 edition of the Arizona Capitol Times, “Law enforcement not the place for political ideology,” written by Jim Clure, a representative of the government union known as PLEA (Phoenix Law Enforcement Association).

Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee made things as unpleasant as they could for proponents of Gov. Jan Brewer’s personnel system overhaul, but the plan came another step closer to fruition after the panel approved HB2571 on a party line vote.

The unprecedented supermajorities the GOP won in both legislative chambers in the last election are likely nearing an end. Between the natural loss of seats most observers expect this November — following the 2010 Republican wave — and the lingering uncertainty from the redistricting process, 40 and 21 will almost certainly be a thing of the past.

With the window closing on the two-thirds majorities some conservative groups are acting with a greater sense of urgency.

While many Arizonans are enjoying spring break and our beautiful weather, it is an appropriate coincidence that this past week was also designated “Sunshine Week,” a nationwide initiative that draws public attention to the need for increased government transparency and accountability.

A panel of senators today approved legislation to bar the Arizona Corporation Commission from adopting renewable energy standards that are more stringent than what is currently in place.
Many consider the bill an attempt by lawmakers to assert control over the state’s energy policy, but critics said it infringes on the commission’s constitutional authority to set rates for public utility companies.

The Arizona Legislature is considering HB2789, which significantly increases government regulation by requiring every rule the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) makes that affects “public service corporations” (a.k.a. utilities) go before the full House, the Senate and the governor for approval ...